Cupromakopavonite is a very rare sulfosalt mineral found in hydrothermal deposits. It is typically identified through microscopic examination and chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to other lead-bearing sulfosalts, commonly appearing as metallic gray aggregates.
Is this cupromakopavonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch cupromakopavonite with a known reference. Cupromakopavonite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cupromakopavonite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cupromakopavonite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Cupromakopavonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cupromakopavonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cupromakopavonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₈Pb₈Ag₃Bi₁₉S₄₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 6.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find cupromakopavonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Makóvka deposit, Slovakia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where cupromakopavonite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cupromakopavonite?+
Where is cupromakopavonite found?+
How much is cupromakopavonite worth?+
Is cupromakopavonite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like cupromakopavonite?+
What minerals are found with cupromakopavonite?+
What kind of rock does cupromakopavonite form in?+
What is cupromakopavonite used for?+
Find cupromakopavonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
